ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

3741–3760 of 6,161 studies

The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history.

Miller, Christine M, Moen, Janna K, Iwasaki, Akiko·Trends in immunology·2026

This review examines how infections throughout history have sometimes led to lasting illnesses similar to Long COVID, including conditions like ME/CFS. The authors show that post-infection syndromes have occurred for over 100 years after various infections (flu, EBV, Lyme disease, and others), suggesting this is not a new phenomenon. They argue that modern tools and technology now give us a better opportunity to understand why some infections trigger these chronic conditions.

Long COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Evaluation of an Online Patient Education Program for Children and Young People with ME/CFS and their Parents within the BAYNET FOR MECFS Study.

Keicher, Franca, Thomann, Julia, Erlenwein, Jana et al.·Neuropediatrics·2026

This study created and tested two online education programs—one for children and young people with ME/CFS and one for their parents—to help them better understand the condition and manage it independently. Twenty-two young people and 20 parents used these programs and were asked about their experience. Both groups felt the programs were helpful, appreciated learning more about ME/CFS, and valued connecting with others going through similar experiences.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Exploring a genetic basis for the metabolic perturbations in ME/CFS using UK biobank.

Huang, Katherine, Muneeb, Muhammad, Thomas, Natalie et al.·iScience·2026

Researchers examined blood samples from nearly 900 ME/CFS patients to understand how genes influence metabolism in this condition. They found that people with ME/CFS have different genetic patterns affecting fat and lipid metabolism compared to healthy people, particularly involving genes related to immune function. These genetic differences may help explain why ME/CFS affects different people in different ways.

Energy MetabolismImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM required

From fatigue to physiology: Submaximal 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise test and emerging standards in long COVID.

Risbano, Michael G·Experimental physiology·2026

This study examines how a special two-day exercise test can help doctors understand the physical changes that happen in long COVID and ME/CFS patients. Instead of pushing patients to their maximum effort, researchers used a gentler approach to measure heart and lung function, which may be safer and more revealing for people with these conditions. The study aims to create new standard ways of testing that better capture what's happening in patients' bodies.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearObservational

A Short-Term Pacing Intervention in People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study in Portugal.

Ribeiro, Vânia, Azevedo, Paulo, Westermeier, Francisco et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2026

Researchers in Portugal tested whether a pacing program could help people with ME/CFS manage their symptoms over 8 weeks. Pacing teaches patients to balance their daily activities based on their available energy. Thirteen patients participated, most attended the sessions regularly, and both fatigue and physical functioning showed improvements after the program.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Current Concepts and Treatment Options in the Management of Fibromyalgia.

Li, Nathan, Cooper, Joshua, Fleming, Tanisha et al.·Psychopharmacology bulletin·2026

This article reviews what doctors and researchers currently understand about fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and many other symptoms. While the exact causes remain unclear, scientists are finding potential clues in brain imaging, genes, and gut bacteria. The article explains how doctors diagnose fibromyalgia and what treatment options are available, emphasizing that managing it often requires a team approach with different specialists.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Chronic fatigue syndrome induced by environmental toxic exposure: Effects of polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate exposure on mitochondrial function and neural health.

Yang, Hyo-Seon, Lee, Jin-Seok, Kang, Mi-Hyun et al.·Environmental research·2026

This study found that exposure to humidifier disinfectants—cleaning chemicals used in humidifiers—may trigger ME/CFS by damaging the energy-producing structures (mitochondria) inside our cells and disrupting communication in the brain. Researchers compared patients with ME/CFS who had been exposed to these chemicals to laboratory mice exposed to the same chemicals, and both showed similar problems with mitochondrial function and brain health. The findings suggest that environmental toxins could be a trigger for ME/CFS in some people.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Molecular hydrogen as a treatment for ME/CFS: a mini-review of clinical evidence and mechanistic rationale.

Friedberg, Fred, LeBaron, Tyler W·Frontiers in medicine·2026

This review examines whether hydrogen-rich water might help ME/CFS patients. Hydrogen is a simple molecule that may reduce inflammation and improve energy production in cells—two problems linked to ME/CFS. Early studies show it may help reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning with few side effects, though the research is still very limited.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A research perspective on sphingolipid metabolism and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Xiao, Junhua·Neural regeneration research·2026

This study examines how the body breaks down and uses a type of fat called sphingolipids, which are important for nerve cell function and communication. The researchers reviewed existing knowledge about sphingolipid metabolism to understand whether problems in this process might contribute to ME/CFS symptoms like fatigue and pain. This perspective piece suggests that disruptions in how the body handles these fats could potentially play a role in the disease, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Physiotherapy management of long COVID in adults.

Nygren-Bonnier, Malin, Holland, Anne E·Journal of physiotherapy·2026

This study examines how physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches can help adults with long COVID manage their symptoms and improve function. The review looks at different physiotherapy strategies that healthcare providers use to treat long COVID patients. Understanding which approaches work best can help patients and doctors make better decisions about treatment options.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearObservational

Treatment of post-COVID symptoms with auricular vagus nerve stimulation.

Gebetsroither, Patrick, Ettenauer, Thomas, Likar, Rudolf·Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)·2026

Researchers tested a treatment called auricular vagus nerve stimulation (mild electrical stimulation applied to the ear) in 9 patients with long COVID symptoms. After 4 weeks of treatment, patients reported improvement in 28 out of 35 symptoms they were tracked for, with particular benefits for pain, fatigue, exhaustion after activity, sleep problems, and heart/blood pressure irregularities. Many of these improvements lasted when patients were checked again 12 weeks later.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Immunoglobulin G complexes from post-infectious ME/CFS, including post-COVID ME/CFS disrupt cellular energetics and alter inflammatory marker secretion.

Liu, Zheng, Hollmann, Claudia, Kalanidhi, Sharada et al.·Brain, behavior, & immunity - health·2026

This study found that antibodies (immune proteins) from ME/CFS patients can damage the mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of cells—and change how cells function. Researchers isolated antibodies from ME/CFS patients and added them to healthy cells in the lab, discovering that these antibodies caused changes in cell energy production and inflammation. This suggests that abnormal antibodies may be part of what makes ME/CFS patients feel exhausted and unwell.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Aberrant recruitment of the striatum and insula is associated with recalling and suppressing fatigue- and anger-related memories in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Rimes, Katharine A, Giampietro, Vincent, Chalder, Trudie et al.·Brain communications·2026

This brain imaging study compared how people with ME/CFS and healthy people process memories related to fatigue and anger. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS use different brain regions—particularly areas called the striatum and insula—when recalling or trying to suppress these emotional memories. These findings suggest that ME/CFS may involve changes in how the brain handles emotions and memories, which could help explain some experiences people with ME/CFS report.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Single-cell analysis reveals immune remodeling of monocytes, NK cells, T cell exhaustion, and Galectin-9-associated depletion of gamma delta and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in Long COVID with ME/CFS.

Shahbaz, Shima, Bozorgmehr, Najmeh, Rahmati, Amirhossein et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2026

Researchers analyzed immune cells from Long COVID patients with ME/CFS symptoms one year after COVID-19 infection and compared them to people who recovered normally. They found that Long COVID patients have significant problems with multiple immune cell types: fewer protective T cells, exhausted immune cells, and excessive inflammation markers. Interestingly, Long COVID patients showed different immune changes compared to people with ME/CFS from other causes, suggesting Long COVID may damage the immune system in a distinct way.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Post-COVID neurological sequelae, proposed mechanisms and therapeutic approaches].

Slama Schwok, Anny·Medecine sciences : M/S·2026

This review examines the long-term neurological effects that some people experience after COVID-19 infection, affecting about 5% of patients. The symptoms include brain fog, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and nerve inflammation, which significantly impact daily life. The authors examine the underlying biological mechanisms—such as brain inflammation, disrupted brain chemistry, immune dysfunction, and blood vessel problems—that may cause these symptoms to help guide future treatments.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Contested and neglected: Social and medical marginalization in severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Nezamdoust, Bita, Ruel, Erin·Social science & medicine (1982)·2026

This study listened to people with severe ME/CFS and their caregivers through their social media posts to understand how their condition affects their lives. The researchers found that people with severe ME/CFS face major challenges: they are often not believed by doctors and society, they experience deep isolation, and they struggle to access care and disability support. The study shows that this illness is neglected and that urgent changes are needed to recognize and help this population.

Severe ME

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Immunomodulatory and locomotor regulations via Diosgenin treatment in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ depressive despair symptom: an in vivo assessment.

Shirole, Rahul Lotan, Khalane, Mohan Rajendra, Nage, Vijayeta Pralhad et al.·Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology·2026

This study tested a natural compound called diosgenin (found in fenugreek) to see if it could help with fatigue and depression-like symptoms in mice given a substance that triggered an immune response similar to what happens in ME/CFS. Mice treated with diosgenin showed improvements in activity levels, reduced fatigue-like behavior, and their brains had less inflammation and stress. The results suggest diosgenin might be worth investigating further as a potential treatment.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Virus-induced endothelial senescence as a cause and driving factor for ME/CFS and long COVID: mediated by a dysfunctional immune system.

Nunes, Massimo, Kell, Loren, Slaghekke, Anouk et al.·Cell death & disease·2026

This study proposes that ME/CFS and long COVID may be caused by damage to the blood vessels (endothelial cells) that occurs after a viral infection. When these cells become damaged and 'senescent' (aged), they release harmful substances that cause inflammation, blood clots, and reduced blood flow to the brain and other organs. The study suggests that a faulty immune system keeps these damaged blood vessels from healing, which is why symptoms persist for months or years after the initial infection.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Deficient TRPM3-linked mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in natural killer cells associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Magawa, Chandi Tabeth, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Muraki, Katsuhiko et al.·BMC immunology·2026

Researchers compared immune cells called natural killer cells from people with ME/CFS and healthy controls, focusing on how calcium moves in and out of these cells. They observed that calcium entry into cells was reduced in ME/CFS, but calcium accumulation in the energy-producing part of the cell (mitochondria) was higher. This is a preliminary finding from a small study that may help explain some immune dysfunction in ME/CFS, but much more research is needed before drawing conclusions about what this means for patients.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Effect of warming needle moxibustion on mitochondrial autophagy in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome based on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway].

Yuan, Yi-Na, Liu, Di, Liu, Jun-Wei et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2026

This study tested whether a traditional acupuncture technique called warming needle moxibustion could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome by improving how their muscle cells produce energy. Researchers found that the treatment improved the rats' activity levels and physical strength, and appeared to work by activating cellular pathways that help damaged mitochondria (the cell's energy factories) clean themselves up and function better.

Energy Metabolism

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Evidence browser

The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history.

Evaluation of an Online Patient Education Program for Children and Young People with ME/CFS and their Parents within the BAYNET FOR MECFS Study.

Exploring a genetic basis for the metabolic perturbations in ME/CFS using UK biobank.

From fatigue to physiology: Submaximal 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise test and emerging standards in long COVID.

A Short-Term Pacing Intervention in People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study in Portugal.

Current Concepts and Treatment Options in the Management of Fibromyalgia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome induced by environmental toxic exposure: Effects of polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate exposure on mitochondrial function and neural health.

Molecular hydrogen as a treatment for ME/CFS: a mini-review of clinical evidence and mechanistic rationale.

A research perspective on sphingolipid metabolism and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Physiotherapy management of long COVID in adults.

Treatment of post-COVID symptoms with auricular vagus nerve stimulation.

Immunoglobulin G complexes from post-infectious ME/CFS, including post-COVID ME/CFS disrupt cellular energetics and alter inflammatory marker secretion.

Aberrant recruitment of the striatum and insula is associated with recalling and suppressing fatigue- and anger-related memories in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Single-cell analysis reveals immune remodeling of monocytes, NK cells, T cell exhaustion, and Galectin-9-associated depletion of gamma delta and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in Long COVID with ME/CFS.

[Post-COVID neurological sequelae, proposed mechanisms and therapeutic approaches].

Contested and neglected: Social and medical marginalization in severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Immunomodulatory and locomotor regulations via Diosgenin treatment in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ depressive despair symptom: an in vivo assessment.

Virus-induced endothelial senescence as a cause and driving factor for ME/CFS and long COVID: mediated by a dysfunctional immune system.

Deficient TRPM3-linked mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in natural killer cells associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Effect of warming needle moxibustion on mitochondrial autophagy in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome based on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway].

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